Universal multiple device power adapter and carry case

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a carrying case with an integrated power supply system for providing power to multiple electronic devices from a single power source. In addition to allowing quick access and storage of various electronic devices, the carrying case also allows the individual electronic devices to be easily connected to the power source and eliminates the need to carry multiple charging cords. In certain embodiments, the power supply system further includes an additional battery or other power source, which increases the runtime of connected electronic devices and reduces the need to carry additional individual batteries for the individual devices. With different connectors on the input to the power system, different AC or DC power sources may be utilized. Different connectors can also be used to provide power to different electronic devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed generally to power adapters. Morespecifically, it relates to a universal power adapter incorporated witha carrying case for supplying power to a computer and multiple otherportable electronic devices.

2. Discussion of Related Art

The proliferation of portable and laptop computers has greatly expandedthe need for consistent, reliable power sources. A laptop computer islimited by the power available from the internal batteries. When thebatteries become discharged, a source of power is needed to rechargethem. Typically, a laptop computer includes a power adapter forconnecting the laptop computer to a power utility outlet for rechargingthe batteries and powering the computer. However, there are no standardsfor power adapters or laptop computers. Different brands of laptopcomputers require different power levels. Thus, power adapters are notinterchangeable and can only be used with a specific brand or modelcomputer. If a power adapter is lost or malfunctions, it cannot beeasily replaced. Therefore, a need exists for a power adapter which canprovide different voltage levels for use with different computers.

Furthermore, often travelers, who regularly use laptop computers, do nothave access to a power utility outlet, such as when they are on anairplane or in a car. However, such locations have different types ofpower sources. Airlines have begun installing power connectors forproviding DC power for passenger equipment. Automobiles have “cigarettelighters” or similarly designed power jacks which provide 12 volt DCpower from the automobile battery. Regular laptop power adapters cannotutilize these power sources. Additionally, international travelersencounter utility power connectors which differ from those in the UnitedStates. For example, utility power in Europe is 220 volts compared to110 volts in the United States. The power connections are alsodifferent. While computer manufacturers produce power adapters for avariety power sources including automobiles, airplanes and internationalsources, these power adapters have to be purchased separately. Atraveler often has to carry a variety of power adapters to be utilizedin different situations. Therefore, a need exists for a power adapterwhich can be used with different power sources.

While several different universal power adapters have been developedwhich operate with different power sources or which provide differentpower outputs, such devices provide a single power output. In additionto laptop computers, the number of other portable electronic devices hasbeen expanding. People regularly carry cellular telephones and personaldigital assistants (PDA's). Wireless email devices, MP3 players, digitalcameras, and gaming devices have also become common. While many of thesetypes of devices operate on batteries, they need to be regularlyrecharged. As with laptop computers, these devices generally have apower adapter for connecting the device to a utility power outlet forrecharging. Of course, each device has its own power requirements whichnecessitates a specific power adapter. A person with multiple electronicdevices requires multiple power adapters. Even if a power outlet isavailable, it only provides two connectors and cannot provide power tomore than two electronic devices. Therefore, in order to rechargemultiple devices, a multiple plug splitter is required in addition tothe individual power adapters for each of the devices. Therefore, a needexists for a power adapter which can provide multiple power outputs forpower to multiple devices.

With all of the electronic devices and power adapters which peopleregularly carry, a need exists for a carrying case to accommodate thesedevices. There are several types of prior art carrying cases forprotecting and transporting portable computers. In addition to beingdesigned for housing portable computers, many of these cases alsoprovide compartments for storing additional electronic devices. However,the separate power adapters for each of the electronic devices need tobe included in the case, which takes up substantial space and adds tothe weight. As the need and desire to carry more portable electronicdevices increases, the dimensions of a carrying case that is capable ofaccommodating them, as well as their power cords, must also increase.

In some prior art cases, integrated power systems for distributing powerto multiple electronic devices are provided in the carrying case. Theseand other prior art cases allow a user to provided power severalelectronic devices from a single AC power source. Typically, however,these cases still require the user to carry and use the individual powercords that come with the electronic devices. Therefore, these systemsoften require the user to retrieve, remove and uncoil multiple powercords and then individually attach each electronic device to an internalor external power source. Therefore, a need exists for a simple carryingcase and power adapter which accommodates multiple electronic devicesand can provide power from multiple input sources.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention substantially overcomes the deficiencies of theprior art by providing a carrying case having a power system forsupplying power to multiple electronic devices operatively connected tothe power system through easily accessible power lines accommodatedwithin the case. According to an aspect of the invention, the systemallows several electronic devices to be simultaneously powered orcharged from a single power source. According to another aspect of theinvention, the power system can accommodate different input powersources, including domestic AC, internal and external DC, andinternational AC power sources. Additionally, a carrying case isprovided that allows for easy charging, easy access to and easyoperation of multiple portable electronic devices while eliminating theneed for separate power cords.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the carrying caseincludes an auxiliary battery as a power source for the electronicdevices. The auxiliary battery may be charged by the power adapter inthe carrying case when connected to an external power source. Theauxiliary battery can be used as a power source for the power system toprovide power to or charge a portable computer or other electronicdevices. The use of the auxiliary battery as the power source increasesthe runtime of the portable computer and other electronic devices,thereby reducing the need to carry additional or backup batteries in thecarrying case. Furthermore, the power system and auxiliary battery canprovide power to devices without the need to turn off the devices tochange batteries.

According to another aspect of the invention, the power adapter of thecarrying case has a selectable output. The selectable output allows theuser to choose a power level for the output appropriate for the portablecomputer or other electronic device to be powered or recharged.According to another aspect of the invention, the system includesvarious power connectors for connecting the power adapter to differenttypes of inputs or different types of outputs. According to anotheraspect of the invention, the system includes one or more output cablesand splitters for providing output power to multiple devices havingidentical power requirements from a single connector.

According to one aspect, the present invention carrying case includes apower supply system, the power supply system including a power inputsystem for receiving power from a power source and for providing a firstDC bus voltage and a second DC bus voltage. According to other aspectsof the invention, additional DC bus voltages can be supplied by thepower system, and multiple outputs can be provided from each DC busvoltage. The carrying case may be constructed and arranged such that thepower input system further includes an AC/DC converter and a power cordfor operatively connecting the AC/DC converter to an AC power source.The carrying case may be constructed and arranged such that the powerinput system further includes a DC/DC converter and a power cord foroperatively connecting the DC/DC converter to a DC power source.Alternatively, the system includes a single power cord selectivelyconnected both an AC/DC converter and a DC/DC converter. The carryingcase may be constructed and arranged such that the power input systemfurther includes an AC/DC converter, a first power cord for operativelyconnecting the AC/DC converter to an AC power source, a DC/DC converterand a second power cord for operatively connecting the DC/DC converterto a DC power source.

The carrying case may be constructed and arranged such that the powerinput system further includes an AC/DC converter, a DC/DC converter anda power cord for operatively connecting either the AC/DC converter to anAC power source or the DC/DC converter to a DC power source. The powercord may be constructed and arranged to include an adapter foroperatively connecting a first end of the power cord to either an AC orDC power source. According to another aspect of the invention, a powercord may include multiple wires connected to the AC/DC converter and theDC/DC converter. An input adapter selectively connects to a subset ofthe multiple wires in order to select the appropriate converter. Thepower cord may include three wires.

The carrying case may be constructed and arranged to include a pluralityof enclosures for accommodating various electronic devices. The carryingcase may be constructed and arranged to include wiring passageways toroute the outputs from the power supply system to the various enclosuresfor accommodating the electronic devices. Individual enclosures orpassageways may be constructed and arranged in the form of mesh pockets.Loop and hook fasteners, elastic, snaps, loops and other mechanisms canbe used to close pockets or to maintain the wires in desired locationswithin the carry case.

The power supply system of the present invention may be constructed andarranged to be removable from the carrying case such that it can be usedseparately from the case. The carrying case may be constructed andarranged such that an electronic device can be connected to the powersupply while either in or out of the carrying case.

The carrying case may be constructed and arranged such that the powersupply system includes a battery module operatively connected to thepower input system. The power supply system may be constructed andarranged such that an electronic device connected to the power supplysystem draws power from the battery module prior to drawing power froman internal battery.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is madeto the drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a carrying case in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the carrying case of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an interior portion of acarrying case in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a power supply system in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front view of a universal power adapter of the power supplysystem of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a front view of a second embodiment of a power supply systemin accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a wire holding structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purpose of illustration, and not to limit generally, the presentinvention will now be described with specific reference to a computercarrying case with a power system and wiring for simultaneouslyproviding, from a single power source, power for running and charging aportable computer and or other electronic devices. One skilled in theart will appreciate, however, that embodiments of the present inventionare not limited to computer carrying cases and that various embodimentsof the disclosed equipment and wiring can be used independently of thedisclosed computer carrying case and may be incorporated into a varietyof containers.

FIGS. 1-3 show various perspective, side and cross-sectional views of acarrying case 10. The carrying case 10 is structured to securely andefficiently transport a portable computer 12 and various other portableelectronic devices, such as a cellular phone 20, a headset 22 and a PDA24, while allowing quick access thereto and convenient charging thereof.The carrying case 10 may include any number of pockets or compartments,such as compartment 40, for carrying electronic devices or accessories.Those of ordinary skill in the art of carrying case design will readilyunderstand that different configurations or types of pockets orcompartments may be used in the carrying case 10. The carrying case 10may further include a strap (not shown) for securing the computer 12within an expandable pocket 62. A piece of foam material 64, which isshown placed beneath expandable pocket 62, is used to protect theportable computer 12.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a power supply system 100 for integration withcarrying case 10. FIG. 2 illustrates the power supply system 100disposed below the electronic devices in the carrying case 10. FIG. 3illustrates the power supply system 100 in a pocket 41 adjacent to theelectronic devices and wiring in various other pockes. The presentinvention is not limited to a specific location or arrangement for thepower supply system within the carrying case. The power supply system100 and its corresponding wiring may be accommodated within any part ofthe carrying case 10 such that the wiring is accessible for attachmentto an external power source and for attachment to the electronicdevices.

In the present embodiment, the power supply system 100 (illustrated inFIGS. 4-5) includes a power supply cord 102 having a first end 104 forconnecting to an external power source (not shown) and a second end 106for connecting to an power adapter 110. The second end 106 of the powersupply cord 102 may be permanently connected to the power adapter 110or, alternatively, may be detachably connected to an input to the poweradapter 110. The power adapter 110 includes a first voltage output 120which provides a DC output. A selector switch 121 is used to select theoutput voltage for the first voltage output 120. The selector switchallows the power adapter 110 to be used with portable computers or otherequipment which require different voltage levels. As illustrated in FIG.5, the possible voltage levels may be from 15 to 20 volts DC. Thesevoltages correspond to typical voltages required by portable computers.Of course, other voltages could be provided depending upon the circuitryincluded in the power adapter 110. A replaceable power connector 125 isconnected to the first voltage output 120. Different replaceable powerconnectors 125 are used for different equipment. Portable computersrequire different types of power connectors. Accordingly, the presentinvention accommodates different portable computers through the use ofthe replaceable power connector 125. Alternatively different outputwires can be used as the first voltage output 120 for different portablecomputers, rather than a single wire with a replaceable power connector125.

According to the present embodiment of the invention, the power adapter110 includes a second voltage output 130. The second voltage output 130is a 5 volt USB port connector. Of course, other voltage levels or typesof connectors could also be used. Furthermore, the present invention isnot limited to a single second voltage output. Any number of outputscould be included on the power adapter. Different voltage levels can beused for any of the outputs. A USB port is used in the preferredembodiment because certain cellular telephones and other electronicdevices can be charged with a USB port. The second voltage output 130allows connection of additional electronic devices, such as cellularphones and PDAs, to the power adapter 110. As shown in FIG. 4, variouswires 135, 140, 150 are used for connecting the electronic devices tothe power adapter 110. A splitter 135 connects to the second voltageoutput 130 of the power adapter 110. The splitter creates two outputsfrom the single port. Of course, the splitter could create any number ofoutputs. A device wire 140 includes a connector 145 for attachment tothe splitter. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 145 is a USBport. Thus, the device wire 140 could alternatively be connecteddirectly to the second voltage output 130 of the power adapter 110 ifonly one additional electronic device were to be powered. A secondconnector 142 of the device wire is arranged to mate with the input tothe electronic device. Different second connectors 142 may be needed fordifferent electronic devices. A second device wire 150 also connects tothe splitter 135 for providing power to a second electronic device. Thesecond device wire 150 also has a first connector 155, which is a USBport connector and a second connector 152 for connecting to the secondelectronic device. Furthermore, the device wires 140, 150 may include aninline DC/DC converter to accommodate devices which require a voltageother than 5 volts for power or charging.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the splitter 135 and device wires 140, 150 canbe disposed and retained in a pocket 42 of the carrying case. In apreferred embodiment, the pocket 42 is formed of a mesh material andincludes a loop and hook closure 43 along a top edge. The loop and hookclosure 43 retains the wires 135, 140, 150 in their respective positionsfor easy accessibility in the carry case. Releasable loops 147, 157 maybe used to retain the device wires adjacent to the pockets for thedevices. A second embodiment for retaining the wires in the carry caseis illustrated in FIG. 7. An elastic loop 148 is disposed between twopockets 44, 45 of the carry case. The wire 140 passes through theelastic loop 148 and is retained in position. The first voltage output120 may be arranged to pass through an opening 127 in a wall of thecarrying case to the compartment for the portable computer 12.Alternatively, the first voltage output 120 may be directly connected tothe portable computer if the computer is retained in the samecompartment of the carry bag. Similarly, the device wires 135, 140, 150may pass through openings to other compartments of the carry casedepending upon the location of the power adapter 110 and the devices.Additionally, the power supply cord 102 may be disposed in a pocket orcompartment 46 of the carrying case. The compartment for the powersupply cord 102 may be opened to the exterior of the carrying case sothat the power supply cord may be attached to a power source while thecarrying case remains closed.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the power supply cord 102includes a plurality of power connectors 161-164. The power connectors161-164 allow the power supply system 100 of the invention to be usedwith different power sources. For example, different connectors could beused for utility power in the United States (162), international utilitypower (161), airplane equipment power (163) or automobile power (164).

In certain embodiments, the power supply system 100 also includes anoptional battery 170. The battery 170 may be connected directly to theinput 104 of the power supply cord 102. Alternatively, another powerconnector could be used for connection to the battery 170. In order tocharge the battery 170, the first voltage output 120 can be connected toan input 172 of the battery 170. In these embodiments, the power supplysystem 100 is configured to provide power to the electronic devices fromthe battery 170 when the power supply system 100 is disconnected fromthe other power sources. This configuration allows the portable computerand or the other electronic devices connected to power supply system 100to run off the battery 170, thereby keeping the batteries in thesedevices ready for extended use, which diminishes the need to carryadditional or backup batteries. Furthermore, the battery 170 can providepower without having to shut down or turn off the computer or otherdevice, as is required for changing to extra batteries. Otherconfigurations are contemplated, whereby additional battery power isadded to the power supply system 100. The present invention is notlimited to the battery 170 as a portable power source. A fuel cell, zincair, or other DC power source could be attached to the power adapter toprovide additional power for the electronic devices.

The circuitry in the power adapter 110 necessary to fulfill itsfunctions will be readily identifiable to one of ordinary skill in theart. An input to the power adapter 110 must accommodate different powerinputs. Thus, the circuitry determines the type and level of the voltageand activates one or more AC/DC converters or DC/DC converters. Theselector switch 121 selects a DC/DC converter for providing the propervoltage level at the first voltage output 120. Another DC/DC converteris used to provide the 5 volt output for the second voltage output. Ofcourse a single DC/DC converter which provides multiple voltage outputscan be used instead of the two DC/DC converters. Other circuitry may beincluded in the power adapter 110 to monitor operation and to providesignals relating to such operation.

FIG. 6 illustrates a second embodiment of the power supply system 200 ofthe present invention. In the second embodiment, the first voltageoutput 220 of the power adapter 210 is connected to a power distributor260. The power distributor 260 provides multiple output ports. The powerdistributor may include multiple DC/DC converters for providing voltagesat different levels. Various device wires are used to connect electronicdevices to the power distributor 260. In the first embodiment, the poweradapter 110 has two voltage outputs 120, 130. In order to accommodatemultiple electronic equipment with different voltage requirements, apower distributor 260 is used to create multiple voltage levels. Also,in the first embodiment, the 5 volt USB port 130 can be used to powertwo devices using the splitter 135. The power distributor 260 can havemultiple ports to accommodate powering of more than two additionaldevices. Furthermore, cords connected to the power distributor 260 canhave integrated DC/DC converters for creating any desired voltage level.

Having thus described at least one illustrative embodiment of theinvention, various alterations, modifications and improvements willreadily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations,modifications and improvements are intended to be within the scope andspirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is byway of example only and is not intended as limiting. The invention'slimit is defined only in the following claims and the equivalentsthereto.

1. A carrying case for powering and or charging multiple electronicdevices from a single power source, the carrying case comprising: ahousing providing a plurality of compartments for holding the multipleelectronic devices; and a power supply system, the power supply systemincluding: a power input system that receives power from a power source;a first DC voltage output configured to provide power to at least oneelectronic device; a second DC voltage output configured to providepower to at least a second electronic device; voltage circuitry coupledto the power input system and to the first DC voltage output andconfigured to provide multiple DC voltages; and a selector coupled tothe voltage circuitry and configured to select which of the multiple DCvoltages to provide to the first DC voltage output.
 2. The carrying caseof claim 1, wherein the power input system further includes an AC/DCconverter and a power cord for operatively connecting the AC/DCconverter to an AC power source.
 3. The carrying case of claim 1,wherein the power input system further includes a DC/DC converter and apower cord for operatively connecting the DC/DC converter to a DC powersource.
 4. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the power input systemfurther includes an AC/DC converter; a DC/DC converter; and a power cordfor selectively connecting either the AC/DC converter to an AC powersource and the DC/DC converter to a DC power source.
 5. The carryingcase of claim 4, wherein the power cord further includes an adapter foroperatively connecting a first end of the power cord to one of an AC anda DC power source.
 6. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the voltagecircuitry comprises a variable DC/DC converter connected to the first DCvoltage output to provide a voltage.
 7. The carrying case of claim 1,wherein the second DC voltage output is a port compatible with theuniversal serial bus standard.
 8. The carrying case of claim 1, furthercomprising: wires connecting the second DC voltage output to the secondat least one electronic device; and a wire retainer for holding thewires.
 9. The carrying case of claim 8, wherein the wires include: asplitter having in input connected to the second DC voltage output andat least two outputs; and a plurality of device wires, each device wireconnecting an output of the splitter to a respective electronic device.10. The carrying case of claim 8, wherein the wire retainer includes amesh pocket with a loop and hook closure.
 11. The carrying case of claim1, further comprising: a battery module, the battery module beingselectively connected to the power input system to provide power to thepower system and to the first DC voltage output to charge the battery.12. The carry case of claim 1, further comprising: a voltage distributorhaving an input connected to the second DC voltage output and aplurality of DC voltage outputs connected to a plurality of electronicdevices.
 13. A power adapter comprising: a power input system thatreceives power from a power source; a first DC voltage output configuredto provide power to at least one electronic device; a second DC voltageoutput configured to provide power to at least a second electronicdevice; voltage circuitry coupled to the power input system and to thefirst DC voltage output and configured to provide multiple DC voltages;and a selector coupled to the voltage circuitry and configured to selectwhich of the multiple DC voltages to provide to the first DC voltageoutput.
 14. The power adapter of claim 13, wherein the power inputsystem further includes an AC/DC converter; a DC/DC converter; and apower cord for selectively connecting either the AC/DC converter to anAC power source and the DC/DC converter to a DC power source.
 15. Thepower adapter of claim 14, wherein the power cord further includes anadapter for operatively connecting a first end of the power cord to oneof an AC and DC power source.
 16. The power adapter of claim 13 whereinthe voltage circuitry comprises a variable DC/DC converter connected tothe first DC voltage output to provide a voltage.
 17. The power adapterof claim 13, wherein the first DC voltage output includes an replaceableadapter for connecting the first DC voltage output to a specificelectronic device.
 18. A method for operating a power supply system tosupply power to a plurality of electronic devices, the methodcomprising: selectively connecting an input of the power supply systemto one of a plurality of power sources through a selectable power cordby attaching to the power cord a selected one of multiple adaptersusable with the power cord and connecting the selected adapter to theone of the plurality of power sources; converting the power from the oneof the plurality of power sources to a plurality of DC output voltagesat a plurality of outputs; and connecting a plurality of electronicdevices to the plurality of outputs.
 19. The method of claim 18, furthercomprising selecting a voltage level for at least one of the DC outputvoltages.
 20. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein the housing includesa wall dividing first and second ones of the compartments, the firstcompartment being sized to receive a portable computer, the wallproviding a passage through the wall sized to allow passage therethroughof a power cable and connector configured for connection to the portablecomputer.
 21. A carrying case system for powering and or chargingmultiple electronic devices from a single power source, the carryingcase system comprising: a housing providing a plurality of compartmentsfor holding the multiple electronic devices; a power supply system, thepower supply system including: a power input system that receives powerfrom a power source; a first DC voltage output configured to providepower to at least one electronic device, the first DC voltage outputincludes a wire connected to a connector; a second DC voltage outputconfigured to provide power to at least a second electronic device; anda plurality of differently-configured replaceable adapters configured tobe connected to the connector of the first DC voltage output and todifferent electronic device.